٢١

I will surely subject him to a severe punishment, or ˹even˺ slaughter him, unless he brings me a compelling excuse.”

Dr. Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran

٢٢
It was not long before the bird came and said, “I have found out something you do not know. I have just come to you from Sheba with sure news.

Dr. Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran

٢٣
Indeed, I found a woman ruling over them,1 who has been given everything ˹she needs˺, and who has a magnificent throne.

Dr. Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran

٢٤
I found her and her people prostrating to the sun instead of Allah. For Satan has made their deeds appealing to them—hindering them from the ˹Right˺ Way and leaving them unguided—

Dr. Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran

٢٥
so they do not prostrate to Allah, Who brings forth what is hidden in the heavens and the earth, and knows what you ˹all˺ conceal and what you reveal.

Dr. Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran

٢٦
˹He is˺ Allah! There is no god ˹worthy of worship˺ except Him, the Lord of the Mighty Throne.”

Dr. Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran

٢٧
Solomon said, “We will see whether you are telling the truth or lying.

Dr. Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran

٢٨
Go with this letter of mine and deliver it to them, then stand aside and see how they will respond.”

Dr. Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran

٢٩
The Queen ˹later˺ announced, “O chiefs! Indeed, a noble letter has been delivered to me.

Dr. Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran

٣٠
It is from Solomon, and it reads: ‘In the Name of Allah—the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful.

Dr. Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran

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